The V8 Supercar series is luring big backers for the 2009 season, defying a global trend that has resulted in the demise of Formula One and World Rally Championship teams.
The economic downturn has forced Honda from F1 and Subaru and Suzuki from the World Rally Championship, but the Australasian V8 competition has bolstered its support.
While Ford has cut back official backing to two important teams because of financial constraints, the V8 Supercar series appears well placed to avoid the drastic cuts that threaten other forms of the sport.
Ford Performance Racing has again signed key sponsors Orrcon Steel and Castrol for next season, shoring up its position as one of the best-funded teams in the championship.
